Comparison sites: Worthwhile or do they exist just for the kickbacks?

Gromitt

There seems to be a number of comparison sites for getting quotes of various types of insurance. Its clear that these sites only exist to try and make as much money as possible via kickbacks.

I've noticed recently that the quotes on the comparison websites can be nothing like the quote you get if you go direct, sometimes over £100 difference, or different terms and conditions (eg. some seem to add compulsary excesses that don't seem to be present if you go direct).

Has anyone else noticed this? Can anyone else check some insurers to compare the differences?

For example, I just requested a quote from the AA:
via AA website: £334.83
via Confused.com: £541

Likewise, some insurers seem to be more if you visit them direct (maybe to try and get your business from the comparison websites?)

Stepping through the pages, I can't see any differences, apart from sometimes additional questions are asked, or sometimes you get more discounts if you have home insurance, multiple cars, loyalty cards (eg. club cards and the like), etc

Little confused here, so I would appreciate other users seeing if they get alternative figures.

mikey72

I use the comparison sites, then go through a cashback site to my top three or so.
I usually get a matching price.

Trebor16

The comparison sites are the modern equivalent of insurance brokers who relied on commission from the insurance companies for their income.

forgotmyname

YES and YES.

Easier than going to 30+ websites and entering the same data over and over.

But their main goal is to make money not get you the cheapest quote.